Mel B reveals she was ‘fired’ from America’s Got Talent ahead of special anniversary return
Former Spice Girl served as a judge on the popular talent competition from 2013 to 2018
Mel B has opened up about her unexpected departure from America’s Got Talent, explaining that she was, in fact, fired.
The former Spice Girl, 49, who is returning to judge the show’s 20th anniversary season, initially appeared on the competition series as part of the judging panel in 2013. She remained for six seasons, departing abruptly after season 13 ended in 2019.
Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of Today ahead of AGT’s new season premiere, Mel B, whose real name is Melanie Janine Brown, explained the reason for her earlier exit, saying: “I got kind of laid off and fired.
“But yeah, I’m back now,” she laughed.
Asked by host Craig Melvin what brought her back to the show, the pop star said: “I mean, why not? It was perfect timing.”
Mel B was joined by fellow AGT judge Howie Mandel, 69, who chimed in to jokingly add that she returned because “she gets to work with me.”
“You know, I thought, well, I love working with you guys,” the British singer concurred. “I love working with you,” Mandel replied.
Season 20 of America’s Got Talent welcomes back Mel B, Mandel, Simon Cowell and Sofía Vergara as the official judging panel, with Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews as host.
Mel B, who also served as a judge on AGT’s spinoff show, Fantasy League, in 2024, is replacing longtime judge Heidi Klum, who in February announced she was leaving the reality series.
“Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT, bringing her signature charm, expertise and warmth to the show. We are enormously grateful for her many contributions and the impact she has had while celebrating the world’s greatest talent with us. We’d love for our paths to cross again,” a representative for AGT production said in a statement at the time.
Speaking to People about her triumphant return, Mel B said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be back at AGT — not only is it the 20th anniversary of the show, but it’s also a real homecoming for me, and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be back.
“So fasten your seatbelts, everyone, because I’m here, and I’m going to stir things up and be my usual loud, proud, Scary Spice self. This season is going to be unmissable!” she teased.
The special two-hour premiere of America’s Got Talent season 20 airs Tuesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. The Live Shows will begin Tuesday, August 19, at 8 p.m. ET, with results airing Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET. All episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
Porsche to Auction a One-Off 911 GT3 RS Adorned with a Maple Leaf
It’s a one-of-one 911 GT3 RS fit for the True North and designed to celebrate the new Porsche Experience Center in Toronto.
Porsche is launching a new Porsche Experience Center (sorry, Centre) in Toronto and celebrating with a special charity auction.
Porsche Cars Canada is auctioning a one-off 911 GT3 RS designed as a tribute to the Land of Maple, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Campfire Circle.
While being auctioned in Canada, Porsche confirmed to Car and Driver that U.S. residents can bid, but then must convert the car to U.S. specifications.
Porsche is launching its third Experience Center in North America, this time in the Toronto area, specifically Pickering, Ontario. To celebrate the opening and to benefit a local charity, Porsche Cars Canada is auctioning a one-off 911 GT3 RS as Canadian as Hudson’s Bay or Shania Twain. The one-of-one model was designed as a collaboration between Porsche Cars Canada and Porsche’s Sonderwunsch division, and was first shown at last year’s Toronto Auto Show.
A 911 GT3 RS with a Maple Leaf Livery
Sometimes, rightfully so, sports-car drivers are accused of treating the road like their personal racetrack, ignoring turn signals and generally driving without consideration for those around them. We just can’t imagine any of that tomfoolery going on with this car—at least not without an “ope” and at least one “sorry” to go along with blowing your doors off on the highway.
The one-of-one 911 is finished in an eye-catching asymmetrical livery that draws considerable inspiration from the Canadian flag. The right two-thirds of the car is painted red, with the remaining third painted white. While the actual flag doesn’t divide its colors in the same way, the ratio is the same. The red side of the car gets white graphics for the side and wheels, while the white side, of course, gets red accents. A duotone maple leaf on the roof is the cinnamon sugar on the top of the beaver tail.
The Canadian touches don’t stop with the exterior. The door sills feature a special Toronto skyline graphic, there’s red-and-white stitching on the dash, and the seatbelts are finished in red too. The seats are clothed in a special red pepita fabric created just for this build. The winner of the auction also gets a matching Chronograph 911 GT3 RS watch.
Fittingly, the auction opens tonight and runs until 3:00 p.m. on Canada Day (July 1). And the best part is that Porsche Cars Canada is donating a portion of the proceeds to the charity Campfire Circle. Plus, while the car is being auctioned in Canada, Porsche confirmed to Car and Driver that U.S. residents are eligible to participate. Should they win, they’d just need to pay to convert it to a U.S. specification car.
